PRODUCT GUIDE - img.creative.comimg.creative.com/files/guide/roar/SB_Roar_2_A5_Product_Guide_EN.pdf · PRODUCT GUIDE ® xier Amazing ... • Playback music from a portable ... and

PRODUCT GUIDE®

Now Smaller, Lighter, Sexier

Amazing Powerful Compact Bluetooth Speaker, 5 Drivers with Built-in Subwoofer

*Based on volumetric measurements

CONTENTS

THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2: AN OVERVIEWGet acquainted with the Sound Blaster Roar 2’s controls, connectors,

and connectivity options. We’ve also included a brief description of

the speaker’s architecture and the technologies found within it.

EXPERIENCING THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2Find out how the Sound Blaster Roar 2 brings your audio

experience to a whole new level.

APPENDIX: ENHANCING AUDIO PLAYBACKLearn how to easily enhance your audio with the Sound Blaster

Control Panel.

page 4

page 13

page 21

The original Classic Sound Blaster Roar was an amazing feat of audio engineering. It was truly a speaker that defied the laws of acoustic engineering. With the all new smaller, lighter, sexier Sound Blaster Roar 2, we have upped our game and taken the miniaturization to the next level. It is 20%* more compact than the Classic Roar, while still retaining its critically acclaimed killer audio signature with the same mind-blowing 5 speaker drivers, the same electrical design and the same battery capacity as the Classic Roar. This time, with a smaller volumetric size, our engineers have to work against the law of physics to tune the audio to be as mind-shattering and room-filling, like our Classic Roar. This incredible feat is achieved without compromising the same mind shattering room-filling audio delivered by the Classic Sound Blaster Roar.

Mind-Shattering Performance • Precision-Tuned Fidelity • ROAR & TeraBass Audio™ Power

Now Smaller, Lighter, Sexier Read our Sound Blaster Roar 2

Story here

THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2: AN OVERVIEWARCHITECTURE, CONTROLS & CONNECTORS

THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2 PRODUCT GUIDE 4 THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2 PRODUCT GUIDE 5

Controls• Raised tactile buttons for easy control

Machine-finished pulsating bass radiators• Side-firingfrombothsides• Enhancesbasslevels• Widensthesoundstage

Active high-excursion driver• Pumpsoutimpressivebass• Widenssoundstage

Dual 1.5” premium drivers• Compact,powerfulhigh-frequencydrivers• Provideforfar-fieldhigh-frequency

dispersion

Acoustically optimized design• Rigidmonocoqueendoskeletalchassis• Fewerinternalcomponentsreduces

vibrations• Lessenergywastageforbetteraudio

Mic On / Mute• Fliptheswitchtoturnonormutethemic

Micro-USB port • ConnecttoaPC/Macforenhancedaudiolistening• PlayaudioandchargeyourSoundBlasterRoar2

at the same time

MicroSD card slot• Built-inWMA/MP3player• Storesyourvoicerecordingstoo

USB port• Chargeyourmobilephonesanddevices!

Previous track/folderNext track/folder• Pressduringplaybacktoskiptracks• Pressandholdduringplaybacktoskip

folders

Roar / TeraBass Button• TogglesfromTeraBassONtoTeraBasswithROARON,followedbyOFF

- TeraBass Intelligently boost bass when

audio levels are low - ROAR Boost the loudness, depth and

spaciousness for sheer audio power

DC input• ChargeyourSoundBlasterRoar2

Aux-in jack • Playbackmusicfromaportable

device via audio cable

Voice recording• Simpleaccuratevoicerecordingontothe

microSD card

Voice playback• Immediateplaybackofvoicerecordings

Bedtime Mode• Audioplaybackthatgraduallyfadesout

USB Audio / Mass Storage mode switch• TogglesbetweenUSBAudioorMassStoragemode

Play / Pause• Fuss-freemusicplaybackcontrol

Random / Repeat All• Toggletheswitchtoplaytracks

on the microSD card in random order or to repeat all tracks in continuous order

Battery level indicator • Quickbatterylevelcheck

NFC sensor • JusttapandplaywithanyNFC-

enabled device for wireless playback

THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2: AN OVERVIEW

ARCHITECTURE, CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (cont.)


Multifunction button• PressandholdtoenterBluetooth pairing mode• Pressoncetoanswerincomingcallsorendcalls

NFC sensor • JusttaptoconnectwithanyNFC-enableddevice

Battery level indicator • Letsyouknowthebatterylevelof

your Sound Blaster Roar 2

Recording indicator • Lightsupwhenrecordingisongoing

Volume Up/Down• Adjustthevolumeofyouraudio

Power button• Pressoncetoswitchonorgo

into standby mode

Internal microphone• Forcrystalclearvoice

communications

SPEAKER TECHNOLOGYThe Sound Blaster Roar 2: Now Smaller, Sexier, LighterThe Sound Blaster Roar 2--although smaller, lighter, and sexier--is meticulously designed with the SAME ELECTRICAL DESIGN, the SAME FIVE SPEAKER DRIVERS, and the SAME BATTERY CAPACITY as the Classic Sound Blaster Roar. So what you get is the same mind-shattering room-filling audio and astounding battery life--but now with a smaller, lighter and sexier form factor.

The Sound Blaster Roar 2 is a sound system designed for PERFORMANCE and PORTABILITY. Though bantam-sized, the Sound Blaster Roar 2 promises to deliver a powerful, mind-blowing audio experience, and precision-tuned audio fidelity. The 5-driver system is packed into one sleek structure, and will redefine the home stereo space with its ability to powerfully reproduce the entire audio spectrum, all from a small booklet size. Beyond its impressive audio performance, it still has a whole lot more to offer – such as Bluetooth andNFCwireless technology, an integratedWMA/MP3player, a recorder,a large dual-purpose battery that also charges your smartphone and a built-in microphone for calls andrecording!


SPEAKER TECHNOLOGY (cont.)


TheSoundBlasterRoar2isdesignedtoproducebalanced,highfidelityaudiobydefault.Ontopofthat, in scenarios where sheer audio power is needed – such as in large parties and social gatherings – simply pressing the button will instantly boost the loudness, depth and spaciousness of your audio.

Vertical Placement for Even Louder AudioWith a smaller and lighter design, the Sound Blaster Roar 2 gives you the flexibility of additional vertical placement. By re-orienting the speaker in a vertical position, you can get a new audio profile that is even louder and more directed−great for a noisy party and outdoor environment.

Room-Filling Audio

: Instant Additional Audio Power

The compact booklet-sized form factor houses 5 high performance speaker drivers: two far-field tweeters, a powerful subwoofer, and two beautifully machine-finished pulsating passive bass radiators. The compact speaker powerhouse is sweet spot independent and delivers mind-shattering room-filling and balanced audio.

Bi-Amplified Design: Two Amps, Not One

Mostportablespeakersutilizeasingleamplifiertoreproducetheentireaudiospectrum.Withasingleamplifier design, most of the demand goes into producing the lows and mids, which compromises the delivery of the highs.

Ontheotherhand,theSoundBlasterRoar2utilizestwoamplifiers–onestereoamplifierdedicatedtodriving lows and mids, and another which is solely dedicated for delivering the high frequencies. This allows the speaker to produce uncompromisingly clear, high definition, well balanced music.

VS

Oneamplifier driving high, low and mid frequencies

SINGLE AMP SYSTEM

High Frequency

Low/Mid Frequency

Two amplifiers, one stereo amplifier dedicated to high frequency, the other to low and mid

frequencies for improved frequency distribution

BI-AMP SYSTEM

AmpAmp

StereoAmp

Low/Mid FrequencyS

S

L

R RR RHigh

FrequencyL



Advanced Wireless Connectivity

The advanced BluetoothwirelessfeaturesontheSoundBlasterRoar2makeconnectingeveneasier!

NFC Technologyallowsforone-touchpairing.SimplytapyourNFC-enableddeviceontheSoundBlasterRoar 2 to instantly pair and connect.

Creative Multipoint technology on the other hand, lets you simultaneously connect TWO Bluetooth devices andeasilytogglebetweenthem!ThisisespeciallyusefulforuserswithtwoBluetooth devices (phones and tablets) in their kit.

SINGLE / DUAL BLUETOOTH CONNECTIONS

NFC TECHNOLOGY

ON

CONNECTIVITY

4 Simple Ways to Connect

FindouthowtoenhanceyourPC/Macaudio and personalize it. Go to page 21.

Connect to Bluetooth devices with robust high-quality aptX®andAAC

music streaming.

WIRELESS

Connect a portable audio device viaanaudiocabletotheAux-in jacktoexperiencepowerful analog audio playback via the Sound Blaster Roar 2.

ANALOG

DIGITAL USB

Play all your favorite songs continuously from a microSD card withthestandaloneWMA/MP3player.Avoidthehorrorofaflatphone battery after draining it to

play music, or the awkward silence after that.

STANDALONE MODE

FlicktheswitchtoUSBaudio,and connect to a laptop or

desktopforafullydigitalUSBaudio experience.

THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2 PRODUCT GUIDE 12

EXPERIENCING THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2

MIND-SHATTERING PERFORMANCEAsthesayinggoes,don’tjudgeabookbyitscover.TheSoundBlasterRoar2maybeabooklet-sizedspeaker system, but the audio power it can generate belies its size.

Dual Amplification

Mostportablespeakersutilizeasingleamplifiertoreproducetheentireaudio spectrum – this compromises delivery of the highs as most of the focusgoes into producing the lowsandmids.On the otherhand, theSound Blaster Roar 2 has two amplifiers that allow it to produce audio that’s powerful on all levels. You’ll notice how uncompromisingly clear your audio is at all parts of the audio spectrum – you can even distinctly pickoutthebassatlowvolumes!Astereoamplifierdedicatedforhighfrequencies and a separate amplifier for lows and mids work together to deliver a well-balanced audio that is accurate and faithful to the original source.

Notice how uncompromisingly clear your audio is at all parts of the audio spectrum.


MOBILITY

Integrated WMA/MP3 Player The Sound Blaster Roar 2 comes with a built-in media player to give you direct seamless audio playback with the convenience of wireless portability. Play up to 32GB of MP3/WMA/WAV files on microSD/microSDHC card*. There’s aRandomorRepeatAlloption toplayyoursongsrandomlyor continuously. For quick playlist navigation, you can even sort your songs according to albums by organizing them in folders.

Dual-Purpose Internal Battery

The Sound Blaster Roar 2 is designed to the keep the audio alive wherever you go. The built-in 6000mAh lithium-ionbattery delivers up to 8 hours^ of playback per charge.

Plus, it can also charge your smart device or other USBdeviceviatheUSBportontherearoftheunit.

^Actualbatterylifemayvarywithuse,settingsandenvironmentalconditions.

*EachfolderonthemicroSDcardshould only contain a maximum of 999 files and folders.

microSDXC card is not supported.

Supportedaudioformats:MP3,WMAandWAV(16bit48KhzPCM)

SupportMp3andWMAupto320kbps.DoesnotsupportWMAPro/Lossless

8hrs

Instantly boosts the loudness, depth and spaciousness of the audio.

: No-Holds-Barred Audio

Isn’t itdisappointingwhenyourmusicgetsdrownedout justas thepartygetsgoing?Allyouhavetodoissimplypressthebuttonand it gives you the much needed sheer audio power when you need it. By default, Sound Blaster Roar 2 produces balanced, high fidelity audio.Andinscenariossuchaslargepartiesandsocialgatherings,users can press the button that instantly boosts the loudness, depth and spaciousness of the audio — no holds barred.

Independent WMA/MP3 Player One of the main concerns with Bluetooth-powered speakers is the battery drain they cause on paired smartphones. There’s also the limitation of distance and interference between your smartphone and the speaker. With the built-in WMA/MP3 player on the SoundBlaster Roar 2, you can play music directly from the speaker without having to depend on your smartphone – saving you the horror of a flat battery. Simply insert a microSD card filled with your favorite MP3/WMA/WAV files into the speaker. Unless you’re planninga music marathon, 32GB of songs should keep you entertained for days.

Play music directly from the speaker.


PLUS A WHOLE ARRAY OF MIND-SHATTERING FEATURES!

USB Digital AudioEnhancemusic playback from your PC/Mac with the powerful Sound BlasterRoarbyconnectingitwiththeUSBcablesupplied.

If no audio is heard

For Windows: ClickVolumeControlandselectSoundBlasterRoar 2 as your output device.

For Mac:1.GotoSystemPreferencesandclickSound.2.ClicktheOutputtabandselect

Sound Blaster Roar 2.

?

Enhance your audio

To enhance your digital music further, you can use the SoundBlasterControlPanelsoftware.Seepage21.

Note: If the Sound Blaster Roar 2 is not detected by the computer after your computer recovers from sleep/hibernate/restart,pleasePowerOFFandONtheSoundBlasterRoar2tore-establishtheUSBaudio connection. You may also need to restart your computer’s media player.

●USBaudiowilldisconnectifbutton is pressedduringUSBaudiomode.


Room-Filling Audio AnoutstandingaspectoftheSoundBlasterRoar2isitswidesoundscape.With the same powerful 5 speaker drivers as the Classic Sound Blaster Roar, the Sound Blaster Roar 2 is designed to deliver wider non sweet-spot dependent room-filling audio. Feel free to walk around the room to experience the audio performance.

Flexible Placement With a smaller, lighter and sexier design, now you have the flexibility of additional placement option for Sound Blaster Roar 2 to suit different kinds of environment.

By re-orientating the speaker in vertical position, you can get a new audio profile that is louder and more directed--great for noisy party and outdoor environment.

Walk around the speaker to experience the audio performance.

Additional placement option is great for noisy party and outdoor environment.


Connecting the Sound Blaster Roar 2 to the power adapter gives your music added volume boost.

Horizontalplacementforroom-fillingaudioVerticalplacementforlouderandmore directed audio

Here’showyoudoit!

1 SlidethesliderswitchtoUSBAudiotoconnectUSBAudiomode.

2 ConnecttheSoundBlasterRoar2toaPC/Mac.AtoneisheardindicatingUSBaudioisconnected. *

3 PlayyourmusiconthePC/Mac.

* If no tone is heard, disconnect the cable from the computer,andstartfromStep1again.

THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2 PRODUCT GUIDE 17THE SOUND BLASTER ROAR 2 PRODUCT GUIDE 16


PLUS A WHOLE ARRAY OF MIND-SHATTERING FEATURES! (cont.)

Voice PromptsThe Sound Blaster Roar 2 features an intuitive voice prompt system that helps you set up a Bluetooth connection with your device. Onceyou’re familiar enough with the speaker, you have the option to disable the voice prompts.

To disable voice prompts:

When the speaker is powered on, press and – together.

To enable voice prompts:

When the speaker is powered on, press and + together.

Here’showyoudoit!

Performance aside, the Sound Blaster Roar 2 also has many added features.

/ TeraBass / TeraBass

When do I use TeraBass?

TeraBass is best used when:

•TheSoundBlasterRoar2islistenedtoatlow to medium volume levels – for example with near-field use.

• The Sound Blaster Roar 2 is placed in an environment where there is an absence of boundary walls for bass reinforcement – for example when you’re outdoors.

• The Sound Blaster Roar 2 is placed on verydense material like marble or granite or in mid to far-field listening conditions – for example in a dance hall or at indoor gatherings.

Do not use TeraBass when:

• Theunitisplacedinanenclosedenvironmentwhere there is sufficient bass reflecting off surfaces like from boundary walls – for example on bathroom counter tops, in small bedrooms or dorms.

For added boost

Connecting the Sound Blaster Roar 2 to the power adapter gives your music added volume boost. It is recommended to use a power adapter when using the feature.

TeraBass

TeraBass +

Green

White

LED Status

Like our in-house reference systems, the Sound Blaster Roar 2 is tuned to be accurate, balanced, and well defined, while delivering full spectral output at maximium levels with minimal or no compression. (NOT common in manybattery operated portables).

At low level listening conditions,some people may perceive audio differently. Be it being less sensitive to bass reproduction, in less than ideal environments or strictly personal preference.

The TeraBass feature intelligently compensates the loss of perceived loudness in bass during low level playback without artificially over accentuating bass levels.

However when sheer audio power isneeded – such as large parties and social gatherings – the mode instantly boost the loudness, depth and spaciousness of the audio. Simply justtogglebetweenthem!

(cont.)

Here’showyoudoit!

Totogglebetweenmodes,simplyjustpress the button.

TogglesfromTeraBassON->TeraBasswithON->OFF



MicroSD Card Reader Easilymodify contents of yourmicroSD^^card on your computer via the Sound Blaster Roar 2. It functions as a microSD card reader whenever you connect it to a computer.

^^MicroSDorMicroSDHCcardsupto32GB.

1 Slide the slider switch to MassStorage.

2 ConnectthespeakertoacomputerviaUSBcable.

3 Insert a microSD card.

4 Browse or modify the microSD card contents on your computer.

Here’showyoudoit!

Note: • ToswitchbacktoUSBAudiomode,slidetheslider

switchtoUSBAudio.• Dependingonyouroperatingsystem,apop-up

messagemayappearinformingyouthattheMassStorageDevicehasnotbeenejectedproperly.Thisis normal and not disruptive to your microSD card.

microSD Card


Audio RecorderYou can use the Sound Blaster Roar 2 to record a phone conversation, a discussion, or even a song playing via Bluetooth. A folder labeled “VOICE”will be automatically created on your microSD card by the Sound Blaster Roar 2 to store all your audio recordings.

To skip recorded tracks: Press or during playback.

microSD Card


2 Select source. From built-in microphone

Switch on the microphone. – Records voice and sounds picked up by the microphone.

From Aux-in / Bluetooth source

Mutethemicrophone. –RecordsAux-inaudio directly from your media player or Bluetooth device.

3 Press (REC)tostartrecording.

Press (REC)againtostoprecording.

4 Press (REC)toplaybackrecordings.

REC

REC

Here’showyoudoit!

Recording specifications● Audiorecordingissaved in WAV

format in the VOICE folder.● For recording, a Class 4 microSD

card is recommended.● The default recording sampling rateisat16kHz.Thisisdesignedto record longer voice recording sessions (e.g. meetings) and avoid large file sizes.

● Recording from microphone also records the audio coming out from Bluetooth andAux-inaudiosources.

● SimultaneousWMA/MP3audioplayback using microSD card and audio recording is not supported.


APPENDIX: ENHANCING AUDIO PLAYBACK

SOUND BLASTER CONTROL PANEL FOR PC/MACThe Sound Blaster Control Panel software works in tandem with the Sound Blaster Roar 2 to give you real-timeenhancedcontroloveryourPC/Macaudio.Visithttp://www.soundblaster.com/downloads/ROAR2/SBCP to download the Sound Blaster Control Panel.

SwitchtheSoundBlasterRoar2toUSBAudiomode before you install and run the Sound Blaster Control Panel.

SBX audio settings• Showsthecurrentaudioprofileloaded• Selectanotherprofileormodifysettings

Resources link• TolearnmoreaboutCreativeproducts


SpeakerphoneBreak away from answering calls with your phone! With Sound BlasterRoar 2, you can now have your calls on the speaker with its built-in microphone for an absolutely hands-free experience. You can even recordyourcalls!

1 Connect your smart device.

(Ensurethemicrophoneison)

2 Press to answer an incoming call.

3 Press again to end a call.

To reject a call: Press and hold for more than 2 seconds.

Bedtime Mode*In Bedtime Mode, the Sound Blaster Roar 2 plays audio files from the microSD card and gradually reduces its volume before automatically shutting down. This is a useful feature for you to record yourself reading a bedtime story and play it back to your children as they are about to sleep.

* Patent pending


2 Start audio playback. To play music files:

Press .

To play voice recordings:

Press(REC).

3 ActivateBedtimeMode.

For 15 minutes:

Press and hold (REC)untilyouhear a beep.

For 30 minutes:

Press and hold (REC)untilyouhear two beeps.

OR

To deactivate Bedtime Mode: Press .

REC

REC

Here’showyoudoit!

Here’showyoudoit!


In the SBX Profilescreen,clickthe[Edit]buttononthetoprightcornerandmodifytheoptionsasdesired.

CUSTOMIzING PRE-DEFINED AUDIO PROFILES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

SBX Surround–Movethesliderhigherto“open”upalargersoundfieldandsimulateasurroundspeakersetup.Alowerpercentagegivesamore“centered”audio.

SBX Crystalizer–Ahigherpercentagemeansalargeramountofaudiodetailsrestored.

SBX Bass–Slidetheslidertoadjusttheenhancementofbasssounds.Moreharmonictoneswillbeaddedthehigheryougo.YoucanalsoadjusttheCrossoverFrequencytosetthetransitionofbass.

SBX Smart Volume–ActivateSmartVolumetonormalizevolumelevels(Normal),pumpupthevolume(Loud),orreduceloudburstofsoundsforthoselatenightsessions(Night).Movetheslidertoadjusttheintensityaccordingly.

SBX Dialog Plus – To hear dramatically clearer dialog, slide the slider higher for more voice enhancement.

APPENDIX: ENHANCING AUDIO PLAYBACK

You can also configure Equalizer settings of the active SBX Profile. IntheSBXProfilescreen,click[Edit]andthenclick[Equalizer].

PRE-DEFINED AUDIO PROFILES Aselectionofpre-configuredSBXProStudio-enhancedaudioprofileshavebeenoptimizedformostofyour playback needs.

Click the SBX Profile menu to view and select an SBX Profile that matches your playback type.

®

Corporate HeadquartersCreativeTechnologyLtd,31InternationalBusinessPark#03-01CreativeResourceSingapore609921Tel:+(65)68954000Fax:+(65)68954999CreativeWebsite:www.creative.comFor more details on Sound Blaster products, visit www.soundblaster.com

©2015CreativeTechnologyLtd.Allrightsreserved.Creative,theCreativelogo,SoundBlaster,SoundBlasterRoarandSBXProStudioaretrademarksorregisteredtrademarksofCreativeTechnologyLtdintheUnitedStatesand/orothercountries.AndroidisatrademarkofGoogleInc.WindowsisaregisteredtrademarkofMicrosoftCorporationintheUnitedStates and other countries. The Bluetooth® word mark and logo are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Creative Technology Ltd is under license. aptX isatrademarkofCSRplc.microSDHCLogoisatrademarkofSD-3C,LLC.Allothertrademarksarethepropertyoftheirrespectiveownersandareherebyrecognizedassuch.Allspecificationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.Actualproductmaydifferslightlyfromimagesshown.

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PRODUCT GUIDE - img.creative.comimg.creative.com/files/guide/roar/SB_Roar_2_A5_Product_Guide_EN.pdf · PRODUCT GUIDE ® xier Amazing ... • Playback music from a portable ... and